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Quick Easy Flavor-Packed Fish Stew

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A quick and easy fish stew recipe that comes together in under 30 minutes, featuring firm white fish in a flavorful broth with simple ingredients perfect for cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound firm white fish fillets (cod, haddock, or tilapia), cut into 2-inch chunks
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 1 medium tomato, chopped or 1 cup canned diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup diced potatoes, peeled (optional)
  • 3 cups fish stock or vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
  • Optional: 1 small can (6 oz) coconut milk
  • Optional: Juice of half a lemon

Instructions

  1. Chop the onion, bell pepper, tomato, and potatoes (if using). Cut fish into even 2-inch chunks. Mince garlic finely. (About 10 minutes prep)
  2. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper; sauté 4-5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add tomatoes, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, and thyme. Cook 3-4 minutes until tomatoes break down and spices bloom.
  4. Pour in fish stock and white wine. Add potatoes if using. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to simmer. Cover and cook about 10 minutes until potatoes are tender.
  5. Gently add fish chunks to the simmering stew. Poach uncovered for 5-7 minutes until fish is opaque and flakes easily. Avoid stirring vigorously.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and optional lemon juice. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro before serving.

Notes

Use firm white fish like cod or haddock to keep chunks intact. Avoid over-stirring after adding fish to prevent breaking it up. Bloom spices early in oil for best flavor. Simmer gently, do not boil. Coconut milk can be added for creaminess. White wine can be omitted or replaced with broth. For gluten-free, verify broth ingredients. Leftovers keep 2 days refrigerated; reheat gently.

Nutrition

Keywords: fish stew, quick fish stew, easy fish recipe, seafood stew, weeknight dinner, healthy fish stew, cod stew, haddock stew